BT and BBC pundits wowed by new Everton star Amadou Onana in major redemption at Aston Villa
BBC pundit Kevin Campbell and BT co-commentator Lucy Ward were wowed by Everton signing Amadou Onana late on at Aston Villa.
Coming on as a late substitute for his debut in the 81st-minute the midfield sensation was caught in possession in the midfield, leading to Emi Buendia scoring a second goal for the home side in what appeared to be a nightmare start to life as a Toffee.
But the 20-year-old forced an immediate redemption as he got on the ball and drove into the Villains penalty area, turning Diego Carlos inside out before sending a ball across the goal-mouth which could only be turned into his own net by former Everton defender Lucas Digne.
Speaking live on the BT Sport match coverage on Saturday (13 August, 2.17pm), commentator Darren Fletcher said: “It was all about the industry and determination of the club-record signing Amadou Onana”.
Ward then added: “He lost the ball in the middle for Villa’s second goal, but I tell you what, when he gets the ball and he starts his big strides moving with the ball he looks some player.
“Terrific play from the new signing and the substitutes are making a difference.”
On Radio 5Live, via the BBC live-blog, Campbell said: “Unbelievable from Onana. What an introduction. He seems lively. It’s going to be interesting now.”
All action
The big-money signing from Rennes managed to pack plenty of action into his late cameo at Villa Park, and almost managed to turn in an equaliser as well which was deflected behind.
Clearly he will need to learn from his mistake which led to what turned out to be the winning goal, but his reaction was perfect as he took the game by the scruff of the neck and laid on the only goal from the visitors.
In the blazing early-afternoon heat he took advantage of the flagging Villa defence for the goal he forced Digne to turn in.
It wasn’t the result that fans or manager Frank Lampard wanted and starting the season with back-to-back losses will raise fears that another difficult campaign is on the cards.
But, as with the first game against Chelsea, there were encouraging elements that give hope that a signing or two more could get things together for this team.
If Onana can build from his debut and be integrated into the starting XI with a bit more polish he looks like he could be well worth the money shelled out for him.